
To help job seekers with responding to a LinkedIn recruiting message, we asked HR professionals and business recruiters this question for their best insights. From starting with gratitude to asking for more information, there are several strategies that may help you make a good impression in your response to a recruiter.
Here are nine tips on how to respond to a LinkedIn recruiter:
- Show Interest in the Role
- Respond Professionally
- Start With Gratitude
- Make a Connection
- Be Quick and Proactive
- Don’t Burn Bridges
- Always Respond
- Ask for More Information
- Send in Your Resume
Show Interest in the Role
Of course, the answer to this question depends on whether you are interested in working for the company the recruiter is representing or not! Assuming you are interested in learning more about the position, I would recommend responding with a reply that is upbeat, curious, and proposes next steps. By showing the recruiter that you are interested in the role and are ready to hop on a call, your chances of scoring an interview are instantly higher.
Eli Patashnik, iFax
Respond Professionally
If you have been approached for a job opportunity on LinkedIn, it means your activity on the platform is getting noticed. That is something to be celebrated! Make sure to read their message and, if you’re interested, respond quickly and professionally. Your recruiter will want to connect with you to ensure you’re a good cultural fit for the company, so you can schedule an initial interview to get to know the potential employer better and ask details about the job opportunity.
Jon Schneider, Recruiterie
Start With Gratitude
Responding to recruiters on LinkedIn is a balancing act, especially considering the specific circumstances that you are under. The best thing to do, though, is to start with gratitude. Thank them for reaching out and considering you for the current role, or compliment the company in some way. You really only have this one shot to make a lasting good impression about your character and who you are as a person. Starting with gratitude can also help create a fluid conversation, even if you aren’t necessarily looking for a job or interested in that role. This can also help if you ever did need to find a new opportunity, you might be able to reach back out to them.
Ryan Nouis, TruPath
Make a Connection
When a recruiter reaches out on LinkedIn, the first thing to do is actually respond. Whether or not you might be interested in the position, a simple thank you and an honest statement of where you’re at in your career goes a long way. I have seen great connections pay dividends down the road either when that same recruiter is sourcing for another opportunity and thinks of you or when you are thinking about changing roles. Good connections are priceless.
Jenn Christie, Markitors
Be Quick and Proactive
If you’re interested, express it by responding as soon as you can. You can ask more about the position, company and other necessary details. It’s also important to include faster ways to contact you, perhaps via email or phone number. If you aren’t interested, you can express your gratitude and maybe recommend a potential lead for them. Being able to respond to recruiters will also help you build your network.
Joe Flanagan, VelvetJobs
Don’t Burn Bridges
Whether you love your current employer or simply feel the open role doesn’t fit what you’re looking for, the last thing you want to do is burn down a bridge. Regardless of why you are disinterested, recruiter engagement is an excellent opportunity to build connections with the right person who, by the way, may potentially win you a dream job in the future. Be sure to sincerely thank the recruiter and courteously explain why you’re passing. Then feel free to pitch that you’d like them to get in touch when another opportunity that might better fit your picture perfect career path presents itself. Explain your ideal role and the type of work you’d love to be alerted to in the future. Above all, avoid automated responses.
Joel Cheesman, Poach
Always Respond
It’s important to respond as soon as possible. Ask the recruiter for more information and make sure to secure either a call or a meeting as a next step. If you are not interested in the offer, respond anyway. Remember to be polite and express the reason why you are not interested in pursuing the job offer. It would be very helpful to schedule a call to discuss the type of opportunities you are interested in and let the recruiter get to know you a bit better. If you make a good impression, they might keep you in mind for future job opportunities. Whether you are interested in the job offer or not, it is in your benefit to build relationships with recruiters. You never know who can lead you to the job of your dreams.
Jessica Ulloa, MyPerfectResume
Ask for More Information
Even if you think you’re not interested, always respond to a recruiter by asking about the job and the company. Many folks who were happy with their current position have been offered jobs that are 3x better on LinkedIn. It never hurts to interview. At a minimum, you are keeping your interview skills sharp. On the other hand, you may uncover a fabulous hidden opportunity! After a phone or Zoom interview, if you’re not interested, tell the recruiter, “If I hear of someone who is qualified, I’’ll give them your name.”
Joni Holderman, Thrive! Resumes
Send in Your Resume
I think that it is always smart to send them your resume, cover letters, and letters of recommendation. That way they have your information on file, and if a great opportunity comes their way that they may think you are a great fit, you are already in their database. If you are not looking for a new role, it is still good to have the connection in your back pocket.
Jason Wong, Doe Lashes
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